Alaska

Alaska's Inside Passage Up Close

Program No. 11479RJ
The mighty glaciers and dramatic fjords of Alaska’s Inside Passage are incredible. Aboard an expedition ship, learn about this untamed land and its stunning diversity of wildlife.

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10 days
9 nights
25 meals
9B 7L 9D
2
Explore Sitka, free time
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
3
Halleck Harbor, Kake
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
4
Thomas Bay
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
5
Tracy Arm Fjord
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
6
Exploring, Orca Point Lodge
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
7
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
8
Skagway, White Pass Railway, Free Time
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Famed for deep glacial fjords, spectacular mountains and lush temperate rainforest, Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park offer natural and scenic gifts rivaled only by the rich histories of the Indigenous Peoples who have lived here for millennia. Experience magnificent sights and sounds as our experts create opportunities to view glaciers up close. Study Alaska's history at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, and explore secluded bays via sea kayak or watercraft, all in the company of experts who narrate your experience with in-depth analysis of this yet untamed land.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Optional walking up to 1.5 miles on trails; some uneven or wet terrain. Elevation of 3,000 feet on train. Ship decks are accessed by narrow ladder-like stairs as there is no elevator on the ship. Climbing in and out of kayaks and rafts.

What You'll Learn

  • Traverse the waters of a narrow fjord within soaring cliffs of granite and dotted with glittering icebergs.
  • Board the White Pass narrow-gauge railway for a journey back through the gold rush era, a time of uncertainty and adventure.
  • Experience chances to see whales, puffins, otters, bears, mountain goats and sea lions — the wealth of wildlife is amazing!

General Notes

Order of ports will vary subject to Glacier Bay schedule approved by the National Park Service. This program has a maximum group size of 50 participants.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Karen Christner
Karen Christner arrived in Alaska more than 30 years ago and realized that she had come home. She and her husband, Jere, raised their 3 children on Baranof Island. With degrees in biology and teaching, she quickly embraced the Alaskan lifestyle. While employed at the University of Alaska, she began the development and administration of Alaskan programs. After 25 years, she is still sharing the story of the people, environment, history and culture of her adopted home—now as an Alaskan group leader and lecturer.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Karen Christner
Karen Christner View biography
Karen Christner arrived in Alaska more than 30 years ago and realized that she had come home. She and her husband, Jere, raised their 3 children on Baranof Island. With degrees in biology and teaching, she quickly embraced the Alaskan lifestyle. While employed at the University of Alaska, she began the development and administration of Alaskan programs. After 25 years, she is still sharing the story of the people, environment, history and culture of her adopted home—now as an Alaskan group leader and lecturer.
Profile Image of Lee Vale
Lee grew up plying the rich waters of the inside passage with his mother on a commercial fishing boat. There he developed a love for the quiet power found in these places so far from human civilization. He began his career as a naturalist in Glacier Bay National Park, later returning to the inside passage as an expedition leader on cruises. Lee holds a degree in cultural anthropology and history, and loves to share his knowledge and his home with guests from across the world.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
Date and Direction
Sep 06 - Sep 15 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • May 24 - Jun 02 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • May 31 - Jun 09 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Jun 07 - Jun 16 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • Jun 28 - Jul 07 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Jul 05 - Jul 14 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • Jul 26 - Aug 04 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Aug 09 - Aug 18 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Aug 23 - Sep 01 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Aug 30 - Sep 08 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • Sep 06 - Sep 15 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Sep 6 - Sep 15, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date sails from Sitka to Juneau.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Sep 06 - Sep 15 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • May 24 - Jun 02 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • May 31 - Jun 09 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Jun 07 - Jun 16 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • Jun 28 - Jul 07 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Jul 05 - Jul 14 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • Jul 26 - Aug 04 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Aug 09 - Aug 18 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Aug 23 - Sep 01 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
  • Aug 30 - Sep 08 (Juneau, AK to Sitka, AK)
  • Sep 06 - Sep 15 (Sitka, AK to Juneau, AK)
Sep 6 - Sep 15, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date sails from Sitka to Juneau.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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10 days
9 nights
25 meals
9 B 7 L 9 D
DAY
1
Arrival in Sitka, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Sitka, AK
D
Aspen Suites Sitka

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. If you arrive before your room is ready, you may store your luggage at the hotel until check-in is available.

Afternoon: All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). This may mean that free time in port is limited. Regardless of the time in port, Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment and beginning at 4:00 p.m., come over to the Road Scholar table outside the meeting room, to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Following dinner we'll have a brief introduction to the program. A more in depth orientation will take place the next morning. Evenings aboard the ship will include a debrief of the days activities as well as preparation for the next days activities. We'll also enjoy various Alaskan stories each night as a way to wind down after the long day. Durations of hikes will be dependent on the group pace and ability level, which can vary. Unless specified otherwise, transportation on land will be provided primarily by motorcoach, requiring the going up/down of a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free Time and “At Leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions for activities. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

DAY
2
Explore Sitka, free time
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Getting on and off a motorcoach. Walking as much as you like on groomed trails at Sitka National Historical Park. Sitting during raptor presentation. Standing as long as you like at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Walking as much as you like on paved walkways during free time.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any program changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. After bringing our luggage down and checking out of the hotel, we'll board a motorcoach and make our way to the Alaska Raptor Center. Here we'll witness all of the wonderful work this place is doing to rehabilitate the local raptors. Following our tour of the Alaska Raptor Center, we will have the chance to explore the historic Sitka National Historical Park. One of Alaska's most charming communities, Sitka lies in a protected harbor rich in natural resources and has a complex history dating back over 8,000 years beginning with the Kiksadi Tlingit people as the native residents. Serious Russian interest began in 1725 when they began to explore the Pacific coast of North America until they eventually established, after much fighting with the Tlingit people, Sitka as an administrative center. Next we’ll make our way to the Sheldon Jackson Museum, which holds many artifacts that were collected by Sheldon Jackson himself. After a brief introduction to the museum, enjoy some time to explore the exhibits independently; docents will be available to answer any questions you may have. In 1877, Sheldon Jackson began his work in Alaska as a Presbyterian missionary and, while working with the Alaska Natives, he saw the need to preserve their history and culture for future generations so he amassed an extensive collection of cultural artifacts, many of which are on display in the museum.

Lunch: At the Alaskan Dream Cruise Hospitality Suite, we’ll choose from a selection of pre-made sandwiches along with dessert items, fresh fruit and sodas, water, coffee and tea.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take the afternoon to explore Sitka on your own. You're group leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Following our free afternoon we'll meet back at the hotel where we'll board a motorcoach that will take us to the dock. We will then board our vessel and begin our journey along Alaska's Inside Passage. After boarding, we will meet the Captain and crew and have an orientation session outlining safety procedures as we get underway. After we settle in, we’ll transit two beautiful, twisty narrow passages where we can look for sea otters, bald eagles, and other creatures.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: After dinner gather in the lounge to hear an Alaskan "bedtime story". If you would rather listen from the comfort of your cabin, the intercom makes that possible. Rest up for another full day tomorrow.

DAY
3
Halleck Harbor, Kake
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Walking with guide 1 mile on a maintained road. There are some hills. A bus is available for those who don't want to walk. Sitting or standing throughout the guided visit.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: This morning we’ll arrive in Halleck Harbor. Located in Saginaw Bay this harbor is rich in wildlife and home to sea caves and Fossil Bluffs. We’ll have the chance to explore the area via beach walk, 2-person sea kayak or 22-foot DIB.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we arrive in Kake. Of the twenty largest islands in the United States, seven of them are in Southeast Alaska. At 1,086 square miles, Kupreanof Island is 13th largest, yet fewer than 600 people call the island home. Most of them live in the city of Kake, a mostly Tlingit village situated on the island’s northwest shore. Arriving in Kake, we will be met by a local guide who will show us the significant cultural sites in Kake including the world’s tallest, single-tree totem pole. This totem pole was raised in 1971 and stands at 136 feet tall. Then we’ll make our way to the town gym where we’ll have a chance to interact with local artists and view their arts and crafts.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: After dinner gather in the lounge to hear an Alaskan "bedtime story". If you would rather listen from the comfort of your cabin, the intercom makes that possible. Rest up for another full day tomorrow.

DAY
4
Thomas Bay
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference. Option for DIB ride - climbing up/down ladder to get to loading dock. Climbing in and out of 22 foot DIB with assistance from crew. Option to kayak - climbing in and out of kayak with assistance. Kayak groups will be led by staff. Option to hike- it will last approx. 1 hour and distance covered is dependent on pace of group. Hike takes place on a maintained USFS trail with moderate incline and is led by staff.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: After arriving at Thomas Bay, we'll begin our wilderness adventure with a full day of exhilarating outdoor activities. You will have the choice to explore the bay via 2-person sea kayaks or on 22-foot DIB for quiet exploration. Kayak launchers make it easy to get into kayaks that then slide into the water slowly. Groups will be limited to 10-12 on the DIB providing room to easily maneuver and catch sight of wildlife and take photos as well as watch for eagles or bears along the shore. We’ll also go ashore for a short hike and along the way we’ll learn about the various plant species in the Tongass National Forest. Some are even carnivorous!

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we’ll cruise along Frederick Sound which is known for it's whale watching opportunities. We will spend the afternoon cruising through this delightful and lovely, yet rarely visited part of Alaska. View the temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and pristine beaches from the comfort of the ship, scan the skies for birds and the shores for wildlife.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: After dinner gather in the lounge to hear an Alaskan "bedtime story". If you would rather listen from the comfort of your cabin, the intercom makes that possible. Rest up for another full day tomorrow.

DAY
5
Tracy Arm Fjord
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Climbing up and down steep stairs to get to the deck for wildlife viewing. Climbing in and out of the 22 foot skiff for tours (weather permitting).

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Perhaps Alaska’s most scenic fjord, Tracy Arm, a photographer’s paradise, is a narrow inlet of ocean running between cliffs or steep slopes. Tracy Arm twists and turns for more than 30 miles through some of the most dramatically scenic landscapes anywhere, dotted with thousands of icebergs from twin glaciers -- North Sawyer and South Sawyer -- at the end of the fjord. There will be many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Along the way, our staff will narrate and point out the highlights. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we will also have the opportunity to ride the DIB with our expert leaders to explore either the terrain.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: We’ll wind our way back down the arm, pausing to view some of the spectacular waterfalls that spill out of the granite cliffs along the fjord. As we depart from Tracy Arm, we will head into Frederick Sound to scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in these world-renowned whale waters.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: After dinner gather in the lounge to hear an Alaskan "bedtime story". If you would rather listen from the comfort of your cabin, the intercom makes that possible. Rest up for another full day tomorrow.

DAY
6
Exploring, Orca Point Lodge
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Levels of activity are dependent on personal preference. Option for DIB ride - climbing up/down ladder to get to loading dock. Climbing in and out of 22 foot DIB with assistance from crew. Option to kayak - climbing in and out of kayak with assistance. Kayak groups will be led by staff. Option to take a walk on the shore- distance covered is dependent on pace of group. The walk will be a bit rocky and will be led by staff.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Today depending on weather and sea conditions, the captain will make the best location choice for exploring. There may be opportunities to explore the area chosen via 2-person sea kayak, 22-foot DIB, or shore walk.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: We will continue to explore the area, watching for marine animals, wildlife, and the pristine Tongass National Forest.

Dinner: Tonight we'll have dinner off the ship at Orca Point Lodge.

Evening: Take a stroll on the private rocky beach and, if weather permits, enjoy a bonfire on the beach. We’ll then board the ship for the evening.

DAY
7
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Climbing up and down steep stairs on the ship to get to the different deck levels for wildlife viewing.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Birders and wildlife watchers will want to be up and out on decks as we enter Glacier Bay early this morning. The NPS citation reads, “Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines, and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site — one of the world’s largest international protected areas.” The entrance to Glacier Bay teems with wildlife, particularly sea birds. This is also an area frequented by feeding humpback whales. The Huna Tlingit people once lived here and consider it their spiritual homeland.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our study cruise exploration of Glacier Bay National Park, the crown jewel of Southeast Alaska considered by many to be the United States’ Number 1 national park. Glacier Bay boasts the largest number of tidewater glaciers in North America, the 15,000-foot Fairweather Mountain range, some of the most stunning scenery anywhere, and a prolific amount wildlife including humpback whales, sea otters, puffins, mountain goats and much more, often amid calving icebergs. Watch for all these wonders from the deck of the ship.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: After dinner gather in the lounge to hear one last Alaskan "bedtime story". If you would rather listen from the comfort of your cabin, the intercom makes that possible.

DAY
8
Skagway, White Pass Railway, Free Time
Northern Southeast Alaska - Inside Passage
B,L,D
Alaskan Dream Cruises' Admiralty Dream

Activity note: Getting on/off street cars. Minimal walking on sidewalks and city streets. Train ride is approx. 40 miles roundtrip; about 3.5 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Making our way up the spectacular Taiya Inlet, we’ll dock in Skagway. This famous gold rush town is also home to Klondike National Historic Park, which owns and has restored many of the buildings. We will take a narrated shuttle from the ship to the White Pass Railway depot, board the train, and take a narrated ride on rails up to the White Pass summit located in British Columbia, Canada, with spectacular views along the way. This narrow gauge railway route was built during the Klondike Gold Rush. Its proposed 110-mile journey through coastal mountains was considered impossible but became a reality in only 26 months of construction from 1898-1900. The railway operated as a business until 1982, then re-opened in 1988 for seasonal excursions.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The ship is scheduled to depart mid to late afternoon. Please make sure you confirm the ships departure time with the group leader.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: After dinner gather in the lounge to hear an Alaskan "bedtime story". If you would rather listen from the comfort of your cabin, the intercom makes that possible. Take time to pack up and prepare for disembarkation tomorrow morning.

DAY
9
Disembarkation, Salmon Hatchery, Alaska State Museum
Juneau, AK
B,D
Baranof Downtown Hotel

Activity note: Climbing on and off a motorcoach. Opportunity for short hike on a groomed trail at Mendenhall Glacier. Walking on paved walkways during free time (shuttle available for those who need it).

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: After disembarking the ship we will make our way to the DIPAC Macaulay Salmon Hatchery in Juneau. We'll learn all about the salmon life cycle, the environment they live in, and how the hatchery works to enhance the valuable salmon resources of Alaska through their many indoor and outdoor exhibits. We’ll then explore Juneau via motorcoach as our driver provides commentary on our surroundings and the local history. Originating with the Alaska Gold Rush in 1880, the miners’ tent camp grew into a small town and then kept growing as mines produced millions of dollars in gold well into the 20th Century. Tourism expanded as adventure travelers were attracted by the surrounding old-growth forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, salmon streams, bear habitat, and migratory whale routes. Following our exploration of Juneau, we will head to the Alaska State Museum for a self-directed exploration of the Museum, which is the repository for the state's history, highlighting the distinct native cultures of Alaska.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take the afternoon to explore Juneau on your own. You're group leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: After dinner we'll enjoy a wrap up discussion as we share favorite memories of the program with our new friends and fellow participants Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
10
Program Concludes
Juneau, AK
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel. You will receive a voucher to enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant. This concludes our program. If your flight is early causing you to miss the hotel breakfast, a boxed breakfast will be provided for you.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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